JAMB Still Mandatory for University Admissions – FG
The Federal Government has reaffirmed that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remains the official and legally mandated body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and managing admissions into all tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
This clarification came through a statement from Boriowo Folasade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, following widespread social media rumours that the government had scrapped the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
“For the avoidance of doubt, JAMB remains the statutory and legally empowered body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria,” the statement read.
“The established admission processes through JAMB remain fully operational, and any contrary information should be disregarded in its entirety.”
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining transparency, fairness, and merit in the country’s admission processes. He emphasized that the federal government stands firmly behind JAMB and other relevant agencies to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
The clarification follows confusion sparked by the government’s recent review of admission standards, which now allows candidates without a credit pass in Mathematics to gain admission into certain Arts programmes.
While the reform aims to expand access and inclusivity in tertiary education, it does not eliminate the UTME requirement.
The Ministry of Education has urged students, parents, and the general public to rely solely on official government communications and to disregard misinformation circulating online.
Every child in Nigeria has the right to education. Ensuring clear, fair, and transparent access to tertiary education through JAMB safeguards that right, allowing all children and youths to pursue learning and fulfill their potential.
